Australian-ASEAN Power Link to power Southeast Asia

Australia will fast-track a push to connect directly into the power grid in Southeast Asia via a subsea cable.

Australia will fast-track a push to connect directly into the power grid in Southeast Asia via a subsea cable in a move aimed at creating thousands of jobs in northern Australia and generating $2bn a year in exports from 2027.

Sun Cable’s Australian-ASEAN Power Link — the nation­’s largest renewable energy infrastructure project aimed at powering Southeast Asia — has been given major project status in a bid to push through the ambitious development and streamline the approvals process.

The AAPL will provide a dispatchable renewable electricity system to be supported by the largest battery and solar farm in the world, located in the Barkley region near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.

It will create a long-term energy­ export capability to the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including a direct link to Singapore, and help unlock the economic potential of the Territory.

It becomes one of about 20 projects to receive major project status, in recognition of its potential to drive economic growth and employment. This means it will receive extra support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, including a single entry point for federal approvals and help with state and territory approvals.

Energy Minister Angus Taylor said it would bolster Australia’s position as an energy export­er, and there was scope to “cap­it­al­ise on our strengths in renew­able­s to continue to lead the world”. The project is estimated to generate about $2bn worth of exports­ for Australia each year by 2027 and will require a $22bn investment, of which $8bn will be invested in Australia.

Industry Minister Karen And­rews said it would create 1500 jobs during construction and 350 ongoing jobs, and would indirectly support 12,000 jobs.